Only five months ago the Olympic body reinforced its ban on political statements. It eased its stance slightly on Wednesday amid a global wave of anti-racism protests.

The head of the Japan Medical Association also said it's too early to consider lifting the nationwide state of emergency over the pandemic.

Media reports in Japan estimate the year-long delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic will cost $2 billion to $6 billion.

The Olympic Games had been set to begin July 24 but the coronavirus pandemic has raised fears.

The Canadian Olympic Committee put its foot down Sunday night and announced Canada will not send a team to Tokyo, Japan, for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Rosie MacLennan is disappointed the IOC hasn't already postponed the Tokyo Olympics, but she thinks Canada made the "right decision."

The COC's statement comes amid a chorus of criticism aimed at the International Olympic Committee's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, the Games have only been cancelled during the world wars including 1916, 1940 and 1944. There have been three major boycotts, in 1976 in Montreal, 1980, and 1984.

The open letter, which was directed to athletes, is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began that the IOC has said it's considering other options.

The head of USA Swimming sent a letter urging the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to push the International Olympic Committee for a 12-month postponement of the Tokyo Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.